Harlem Festival Of Culture Set For Inaugural Year: What To Know

HARLEM, NY — The Harlem Festival of Culture with a star-studded lineup that includes Fat Joe, Cam'ron, Wyclef Jean, and Teyana Taylor is set for its inaugural year this July, organizers announced on Tuesday.

The new festival, inspired by the legendary Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969, will take place over three days from July 28-30 on Randall's Island, which is in between Queens and East Harlem and under the jurisdiction of East Harlem's Community Board 11.

The weekend will also include more intimate concert events at The Apollo, an official co-branded line of festival merchandise launched in partnership with Steve Madden, and a culinary food component with local restaurants and vendors.

“From the Harlem Renaissance to the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969 to the Harlem Shake, this community is known worldwide for its immeasurable contributions in fashion, sports, dance, art and music - and has always played an integral role in moving culture forward,” said HFC co-Founder and Technical & Talent Producer Yvonne McNair, in a news release. “For this inaugural year, we were very thoughtful and intentional in building what is an amazing lineup that aptly reflects the incredibly unique legacy that is intrinsic to the village of Harlem as well as the breadth and brilliance of Black music and culture."

Here's the impressive lineup of musical talent that will perform over the three days.

• Adam Blackstone
• Bell Biv DeVoe
• Coco Jones
• Eric Bellinger
• Fat Joe
• Jozzy
• MAJOR
• Muni Long
• Remy Ma
• Ro James
• Tink
• Wyclef Jean
• Cam'ron (Harlem native)
• Doug E. Fresh (Harlem native)
• MA$E (Harlem native)
• Teyana Taylor (Harlem native)
• Estelle
• Lumidee
• Max Glazer
• Mr. Killa
• Nadine Sutherland
• Nina Sky
• Rupee
• Serani
• Wayne Wonder
• MC Lyte (Host)

The festival will run each day on Randall's Island from 3 to 11 p.m., Apollo Theater 7 to 11 p.m., and after parties from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Another element of the Harlem Festival of Culture will be the reimagining of the long-shuttered Mart 125, which will be turned into a marketplace in support of locally-owned businesses over the three days.

Tickets for the festival went on sale Tuesday, which you can check out — HERE.

"Reimagining the historic festival of 1969, HFC will deliver experiential entertainment and economic development programming at the nexus of live music and entertainment, a vibrant cultural destination, and innovative community impact," reads the festival's website.